Super Duper’s Grand Premiere held at the renovated iconic Bharatmata!

The iconic Bharatmata cinema, which has witnessed the golden era of Marathi cinema, has reopened in a brand-new avatar after six long years, and the honour of being the first film to premiere there has gone to Zee Studios’ much-awaited Marathi film #SuperDuper! This historic moment was celebrated with a grand premiere at Bharatmata, held in a hugely festive and authentically Maharashtrian style.

The celebrations, marked by the beats of dhol-tasha and a traditional ambience, literally gave the audience goosebumps. The event became a dual celebration – a tribute to Marathi culture and a festival of cinema. Present on this occasion were the state’s Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar, Film City Corporation’s Joint Managing Director Prashant Sajnikar, Zee Studios’ Chief Business Officer Umesh Kumar Bansal, Zee Studios Marathi Business Head Bavesh Janavlekar, the cast and crew of Super Duper, producers Vijay Shinde and Naresh Borde, along with many eminent personalities from the Marathi film industry.

On this occasion, State Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar said, “For me, ‘Bharatmata’ is like my maternal home. I have many emotional memories attached to this place. This is not just a cinema hall, but a living repository of the memories of several generations. It is an important centre that carries forward the legacy of Maharashtrian culture and tradition. I sincerely thank Zee Studios for organising the first Marathi film premiere here. It is not easy to run a single-screen theatre, so for it to continue, I fold my hands and appeal to all Marathi viewers to extend their support and blessings to this place. I heartily congratulate the entire team of Super Duper. Best wishes to all these wonderful artists and technicians who truly understand the craft of cinema.”

Director #SameerAshaPatil said, “Since the time Ashish Shelar Sir became Cultural Affairs Minister, a positive picture has emerged in the cultural ministry. The various initiatives he has undertaken for the Marathi entertainment industry and his work continuously inspire us. We are delighted to have his presence at this ceremony. Super Duper is coming to the audience with the same joy, love and enthusiasm, and I sincerely hope this film becomes a super duper hit.”

Zee Studios Marathi Business Head Bavesh Janavlekar said, “When the opportunity to premiere our film at ‘Bharatmata’ theatre came up, there was no question of letting it go. The cinema that has shaped the rich history of Marathi films will, we strongly believe, see Super Duper create a new chapter of its own. We truly hope this theatre’s blessings will be with our film and that the audience will shower it with abundant love.”

Nirmitee Sawant said, “My maternal home is right here in the BDD chawls, so ‘Bharatmata’ is like my parental home in terms of theatres. Watching films here since childhood was a special hobby for us. Today, I am extremely happy that after the renovation of this cinema, my film’s premiere is marking its reopening. This is a matter of great pride and joy for me.”

Presented by Zee Studios, and produced by Ninety Nine Productions and Siddhivinayak Productions, Super Duper is a grand family entertainer releasing in theatres from 3 April. Written and directed by Sameer Asha Patil, the film is produced by Vijay Shinde and Naresh Borde, with Umesh Kumar Bansal and Bavesh Janavlekar as presenters. Sanjay Jadhav has handled the cinematography.

By Keerti Kadam